Level-Correcting Gauge Block for Precision Elevation Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring clearance between spaced objects lack precision in determining the elevation change required to align a target surface with a horizontal plane perpendicular to gravity, leading to inaccuracies in leveling operations.

Innovation Solution

A level correcting gauge block comprising a stepped structure and a level tool that measures the elevation change needed to bring a target surface into alignment with a horizontal plane, using a series of calibrated pads and a reference face to accurately determine the required adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current methods for measuring clearance are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gauge block is divided into multiple stepped portions with different elevations, allowing the user to select the appropriate step for the specific clearance measurement needed. This segmentation enables precise measurement of different clearance ranges using a single device, improving measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a vertical dimension with multiple elevation levels on the gauge block body. By incorporating stepped portions at different heights, the device can measure clearances of varying sizes by selecting the appropriate elevation level, thereby enhancing measurement precision across multiple dimensions without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If a level tool is added to measure elevation change, then the leveling accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The level tool is integrated directly onto the gauge block body, merging two previously separate functions (clearance measurement and level verification) into a single unified device. This combination improves leveling accuracy by ensuring the reference surface is truly horizontal, while the integrated design minimizes the increase in device complexity through compact arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gauge block is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring clearance, verifying level, and providing elevation reference. By incorporating a level tool with bubble indicators directly on the gauge block, the device becomes universal for both dimensional measurement and alignment verification, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides precise measurement of the clearance between the target surface and the horizontal plane, ensuring accurate leveling by inserting calibrated pads into the measured space, thereby facilitating precise alignment and adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

The level tool is a tool used to identify a plane that is perpendicular to the force of gravity (called a horizontal plane)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11486688B1Level-correcting gauge block
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 CAPO LEO
  • US11486688B1 patent drawing
  • US11486688B1 patent drawing
  • US11486688B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The level correcting gauge block is a tool. The level correcting gauge block incorporates a stepped structure, a level tool, and a target surface. The level tool is a tool used to identify a plane that is perpendicular to the force of gravity (called a horizontal plane). The level tool is used to determine whether the target surface is parallel (or “level”) to a plane that is perpendicular to the force of gravity. The stepped structure works in conjunction with the level tool. The stepped structure measures the elevation change required to be made to the target surface to bring the target surface to level.